Review: Clare Bridge Crossing at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch: Dementia and Alzheimers Care, Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

A vital part of my job as a Certified Senior Housing Professional & Senior Real Estate Specialist along the Denver Front Range is staying abreast of the various senior communities in the area that may be helpful to my clients or their family caregivers when the time comes for an older adult to transition - or right size - to a senior community.

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So last week I made it a point to be at the Expansion Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the new Clare Bridge Crossings at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch, part of the Brookdale Senior Living family of communities. Clare Bridge Crossings is Brookdale’s newest senior living solution designed for those in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Jim Holmes and Britny Otto

I spent some time speaking with Britny Otto, the Executive Director of the community, and discovered that the staff is carefully vetted, selected and trained to manage the challenges associated with dementia. Their approach - called the Clare Bridge Daily Path - provides a gentle structure to each day that targets specific needs of those with Alzheimer's and various types and levels of dementia. It features:

Morning Mental Workout - Daily late morning mental exercises including discussions, brain stimulating games, and reminiscing.

Daily Physical Activity - A variety of exercise opportunities including group exercises, walking programs and dancing.

Daily Life Skills - Individual or group activities that provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging.

Person Centered Life Enrichment Programming - Activities are designed using the resident's own social history information as a foundation.

As I walked about the community, I found that the interior design has been perfectly set to feel like that of a private home and the enclosed walking areas give residents a chance to move around and exercise, while also maintaining a standard of safety.

Clare Bridge of Highlands Ranch Website

The Clare Bridge Dining Program, awarded a top level certification by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is a nutritional and dining program designed by a team of specialists to help those with Alzheimer's and dementia. It offers dementia-friendly menus, individualized dining assistance, a supportive environment and consistent seating arrangements.

If you're an older adult or the family caregiver of one ready to rightsize, please feel free to contact me for further insights and advice on senior living options across the Denver Front Range and/or for assistance with other senior real estate services.

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Custom Mountain Estate on 35.18 acres with incredible grounds, spectacular views of snow capped mountains includes guest house with 834 SF oversized heated garage located in gated community. The English Country home built by Nicholas Custom features finest finishes and millwork and was recently updated and remodeled. Main floor includes formal dining with adjacent butler pantry and wet bar, living room/music room, a gourmet kitchen with a huge center island, slab granite, separate Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer, two dishwashers, large country sink and additional prep sink, double ovens, microwave and stove, large walk-in pantry and custom 42 cabinetry. Adjacent to kitchen is a large casual dining room with three-sided fireplace, family room shares fireplace, spectacular sun room/office. Main floor master suite has sitting area, gorgeous master bath with heated spa tub, radiant tiled floors, separate vanities, large steam shower, his and her walk-in closets. Evergreen Schools.

Colorado and Denver Front Range Back Country Horsemen Association Information

Horses and Colorado just go hand-in-hand!

I've had the pleasure and pure enjoyment of owning horses most of my life. My first horse - at the age of 13 - began a lifelong relationship with those beautiful animals and the nature in which they thrive.

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Today, I'm a strong proponent of maintaining the horse culture in Colorado and ensuring that the riding trails in our area, and all across the state, remain passable for the enjoyment of all, and that the excitement of an afternoon atop a horse and in the mountains remains a reality for future generations.

In addition to hitting the trails as often as I can, I'm proud to be a member of the Back Country Horsemen of America, a national volunteer organization that works to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America and Colorado's back country.

Additionally, there are 11 local chapters of this national group in Colorado, so I wanted to utilize this blog post to help spread the word about these excellent groups. If you live in Colorado, love horses, and enjoy riding the back trails of our great state, I hope you'll investigate what being a member of our horse-loving groups entail. I'm also providing a few links to other equestrian-themed organizations and folks in our area.

As a Denver Front Range real estate agent, I know how much the romance and allure of horses lends to the positive lifestyle and enjoyment of our communities. It's part of our culture and just one of the many things that makes living in the Denver area enjoyable and worthwhile. The bottom line is that many people move to - and buy a house - in Denver, Colorado just because of the opportunity to take part in the horse lifestyle.

Whether you'd like more information on buying or selling a house in south Denver or more information on the vibrant horse-riding opportunities in our area, please feel free to contact me at any time. I'll be happy to share all that I know! - Jim Holmes

Back Country Horsemen of Colorado

Denver Front Range Back Country Horsemen

Latest News and Summer/Fall 2013 Activities

Evergreen, Colorado Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

South Denver 2013 Fireworks and Fourth of July Fun Page

While many cities and suburbs in the South Denver area have cancelled or are postponing fireworks this 4th of July, there are still plenty of events to enjoy in our communities. I wanted to give you a short overview of those and also supply you with some additional ideas for party fun on the Fourth along the Denver Front Range. Have a great time and be safe! - Jim

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There's a crazy amount of fun taking place at the July 4th Parade, Run, & Celebration at Town Center in Highlands Ranch. Just a sampling of the activities include a 5k run, hot dog eating contest, skateboard demos, and plenty more.

By the way, fireworks have been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, September 21 during Oktoberfest.

July 4th Activities in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Englewood 4th of July Festival and Fireworks

Updated List of 2013 Fireworks Shows Across Colorado

4th of July Recipe and Party Ideas

Get some tips on grilling, BBQ, desserts, holiday drinks and picnic salads

Intriguing 4th of July Fact

Three U.S. presidents have died on July 4th. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. Five years later, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

Fourth of July Party and Decoration Ideas

Share with the Kids: How Fireworks Work

From Nova on PBS

10 Unique 4th of July Outfit Ideas 

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How to Repair Identity Theft and Credit Damage in Denver

In an earlier blog post, I supplied tips on how how to protect yourself from a significant problem in Colorado: identity theft.

In this piece, I report on how to REPAIR the problem IF your identity is stolen. Thieves are becoming ever more sophisticated at their crime than ever before. As a Denver Front Range realtor, I know EXACTLY how heartbreaking it is for clients when identity theft or otherwise damaged credit hinders them in buying a new house. Here's what you can do if you're affected. Best of luck! - Jim Holmes

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How to Repair Identity Theft

1) Quickly Place a Fraud Alert with the Credit Reporting Companies.

The first company will then supply the info to the others. There is no cost for the fraud alert, but you must offer proof of identity. This report lasts for 90 days then must be renewed. Be sure and provide the company with your current contact info.

2) Get Copies of Your Credit Report

This is vital in determining how much damage you've suffered. The first report is free of charge. Then immediately reach out to the businesses that have been affected by the theft and begin a dialogue with their fraud department.

3) Create an Identity Theft Report

This will ultimately initiate an extended fraud alert on your credit report. Write all of the details of the identity theft in the report. This then becomes your identity theft affidavit. Provide this report to your local police and file a complaint with them. Keep a copy of the police report and submit your Identity Theft Affidavit and the police report to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission here.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission: Steps to Repair Identity Theft

Colorado Attorney General: Identity Theft Repair Kit

Monitor the Process Closely

Resolving identity theft can be quite cumbersome. Stay organized and build a system to track all of your correspondence, documentation, and phone calls. Keep everything and document everything!

The advice here encompasses only the first steps to undergo when attempting to repair identity theft in Denver, Colorado. Be sure and read through the websites linked here for further information and steps.

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